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Edwards set as int'l head of 20th TV

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International television distribution veteran Marion Edwards has been promoted to the newly created position of president of international television at 20th Century Fox Television Distribution, it was announced Thursday.

Edwards has been serving as executive vp at the division since 1994. That post involved overseeing sales of series and features to free and basic television broadcasters outside the U.S. as well as the sale of all 20th Century Fox feature films to U.S. networks. In that capacity she has been credited with significantly expanding the division's resources in international advertiser marketing, ratings and market research, format licensing and local production.

In her new expanded position, Edwards will continue to oversee those areas while also working with Mark Kaner, president of 20th Century Fox Television Distribution, in the international pay television business. She also is tasked with spearheading a newly created made-for-pay business, developing first-run series for pay television platforms worldwide.

"I have known Marion for more than 20 years and have had the pleasure of working with her for the last 13. She is a consummate professional and highly respected throughout our industry. I look forward to continuing this great relationship," Kaner said in announcing the promotion.

Edwards added, "This provides an opportunity to do things that are original and lucrative for the company, specifically in the area of production and pay. We believe that if you look at the HBO model, you can't help but believe that original series are really important to pay TV, and taking on responsibilities for pay TV allows me to merge my interest in production for pay and the needs of our pay TV clients internationally. They are all looking to expand and build their business with marquis programming. I'm also really excited about working in the traditional pay sector.

"I have spent nearly all of my career in the international television business and I love it," she added. "This is the most exciting time in history to work in television, and I am very happy that responsibility for pay TV has been combined with our other activities in broadcast and basic cable as well as production."

Edwards joined 20th Century Fox Television Distribution in 1992. Before Fox, she was vp MGM/UA Telecommunications from 1988-92, and as vp MCA Universal International TV.